Top 5 Tips & Hotels for the Perfect Luxor City Egypt Holiday
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Top 5 Tips & Hotels for the Perfect Luxor City Egypt Holiday

  • Brief History of Luxor Egypt 
  • Top Unique things to do in Luxor City 
  • Top Luxor Egypt Hotels
  • FAQs

No sir! This page doesn’t concern the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, but it regards the city that sits on the throne of top historical cities in Egypt. Luxor city in Egypt or “Thebes” is considered a vital benchmark in Egyptian history, and once was the capital of Egypt during the days of the New Kingdom era! 

Brief History of Luxor City Egypt

If we look through the pages of history, we’ll find that Luxor became the capital of Egypt during the days of the Middle Kingdom (2030 BC to 1650 BC) as a trading center, and continued flourishing until it became the central nerve of Egypt for religion and culture in the New Kingdom period (1550 BC to 1070 BC). 

In the days of the New Kingdom, Luxor Egypt became the center of worshipping the God Amun and witnessed the building of its glorious temples: Karnak and Luxor Temples we strongly suggest you visit when you plan your Luxor Egypt visit.   

Unfortunately, when the sun of the New Kingdom began to set, by the 11th century BC, by shifting the capital to the Nile Delta area, resulting in the degradation to the city and being invaded many times.  

But, when Egypt fell under the Greco-Roman Era, Luxor City witnessed a remarkable evolution religiously due to the expansions in the Karnak Temple and the building of the Temple of Esna.

Top Unique things to do in Luxor City

The things to do in Luxor City are endless, whether you visit its attractions, looking for relaxation, or seek exciting activities, we assure you won’t regret it! 

1. See Famous Luxor Egypt Attractions

Throughout the long history of Luxor City, many temples were erected on both of its banks: the East & West banks. 

  • On the East Bank you’ll find:

Karnak Temple

Among the largest in the world, Karnak Temple was once the pulsating religious heart of all Egypt. It was dedicated to the god Amun, spanning 200 acres, and evolved through the years of great rulers like Ramses II and Thutmose III until it gained its current shape.

As you visit Karnak Temple, you’ll meet:  

  • Great Hypostyle Hall
  • Avenue of Sphinxes
  • Sacred Lake
  • Obelisks

Luxor Temple

No matter what religion it is, you’ll find Luxor Temple housing it just perfect! 

Most people know Luxor Temple of its ancient Egypt importance only, but, with the progression of the ages, Luxor Temple housed other cultural backgrounds such as the Roman, Christian (seen in the Last Supper painting on the wall of the temple), and later the Islamic as it houses the Abu Haggag Mosque since the 13th century.

  • On the West bank, you’ll see: 

Valley of the Kings

What will really fascinate you about the Valley of the Kings isn’t just the paintings and royal belongings, but the fact that the tombs of the valley once had complicated defense systems that you’ll see in the false doors, traps, concealed passages, and hidden chambers, to keep the tombs from getting robbed through the years.  

Also, the Valley of the Kings suffered as well from seasonal floodings that removed some of its wall paintings, but in total, it remained through the ages witnessing the majestic work of Egypt’s ancient artists. 

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut “Deir el-Bahari”

For the sake of love, Architect Senenmut made Hatshepsut Temple fascinatingly to mirror its outer surroundings of Theban Mountains, which can be seen in the alignment of the Temple’s terraces with the vertical lines that reside in the cliff, making a harmony and a mixture between nature and man-made beauty.

Also, in the early Coptic era, Christians once used the temple as a monastery resulting in its name “Deir el-Bahari”

Needless to mention, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut still has its special beauty of skillfully crafted statues and well-preserved paintings. 

There are other places to visit in Luxor City such as: 

  • Valley of the Queens
  • Ramesseum
  • Tombs of the Nobles
  • Temple Of Khonsu

2. Venture to Luxor Museums 

Mummification Museum

Get to know the secrets to the mummification process as you see mummies of different animals and humans at the Mummification Museum. You’ll be introduced to the techniques ancient Egyptians used to prepare for the afterlife and that left the world in wonder of how they remain preserved all these thousands of years. 

You’ll see how ancient Egyptians honor their gods and goddesses by mummifying animals that represent them like cats and crocodiles honoring the goddess Bastet and the god Sobek.

Luxor Museum

Marking among the top museums in Egypt, not only in Luxor city Egypt, as it contains treasuries and artifacts that are over 3000 years old, along with mummies of some of the greatest rulers that governed Egypt like Ramses I and Ahmose I, each of great accomplishments that marked the history of Luxor city Egypt during the days of the New Kingdom era (1550 BC – 1070 BC). 

You’ll also see some of the exquisite remaining artifacts that belong to Akhenaten, the first to introduce the worship of the one god, Aten.

You may not believe it, but for one point Luxor Museum is better than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, as it focuses on the quality and the long history of its exhibited collection, not the number of the artifacts it houses, unlike the Egyptian Museum which focuses on the number of the exhibits that contains up to 170,000 pieces, resulting in overwhelming its visitors.

3. Fly with Luxor Hot Air Balloon

Wanna feel the connection between Egyptian beliefs and flying while you enjoy the astonishing and mesmerizing sunrise views?

Luxor hot air balloon allows you “metaphorically” to feel the act of rebirth during sunrise similar to the ancient Egypt beliefs, as the sun represents renewal and being reborn in Egyptian mythology. 

You’ll also enjoy the magical views over the west bank, especially over the Valley of the Kings, The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and The Valley of the Queens. 

Don’t miss our LIMITED-TIME offer to Luxor Egypt Hot Air Balloon! 

4. Savor a dinner onboard a Nile Cruise boat

A unique thing regards Luxor Egypt is its Nile Cruise trips and dinners onboard, which give a unique mixture of traditional Egyptian cuisine and the beauty of wandering in the Nile river waters. 

We strongly suggest you take the Nile cruise trip from Luxor to Aswan which takes up to 5 days and 4 nights and gives you an unprecedented mixture of feelings of relaxation, wondering, and fun as it wanders you between the temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo.

Check our Nile Cruise trips with discounts of up to 50%

5. Feel the excitement of the Sound and Light show 

Similar to the “Night at the Museum” film series, Karnak temple comes back to life at night during the Sound and Light Show which is among the best options to consider when you aiming for a unique evening. 

Sound and Light Show is a great storyteller show, spoken by ancient gods and Kings that tells of the unspoken secrets of Egypt along with mesmerizing, unique, and colorful illuminations of the Karnak Temple landmarks. 

Top Luxor Egypt Hotels

Luxor boasts many beautiful hotels of various budgets that suit every traveler, overlook the Nile and historical sites, or are only a few steps from downtown.

Jolie ville Luxor

Enjoy your stay on the lands of the Kings and Queens at the Jolie Ville Hotel in Luxor, and savor your time with top-rated bars and restaurants, while enjoying the quiet atmosphere and relaxation.

Jolie Ville spans 24 acres and features:

  • Gardens
  • Swimming pools
  • Spa
  • Fitness center
  • Children playground

Book your stay at Jolie Ville Luxor with us!

Nefertiti Hotel Luxor

Residing at Al Sahaby Lane, Nefertiti Hotel is among the hotels that know the way to customers’ satisfaction, in terms of service, comfort, food, price, and location!

The hotel is among the top-rated hotels in Luxor and is known for its proximity to Luxor Egypt attractions and famous landmarks.

Nefertiti Hotel Luxor features:

  • Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant
  • Coffee Shop Aal al‑Bayt
  • Outstanding views of the West Bank and the Nile River
  • TV & Satellite channels
  • Wifi 
  • Much more!

Book your stay at Nefertiti Hotel Luxor with us!

Steigenberger Nile palace Luxor

Located in Luxor Egypt downtown, Steigenberger Luxor is a luxurious option that offers all means of relaxation and elegance to its guests, along with panoramic views of the West Bank. 

Steigenberger Luxor features:

  • Egyptian, Lebanese, and Italian cuisines.
  • Gardens
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Fitness center
  • Business facilities such as conference rooms for business travelers 

Book your stay at Steigenberger Luxor with us!

Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor

One of the most iconic landmarks in Luxor City and the oldest hotel in Luxor! Winter Palace Luxor is one of the top luxurious and prestigious hotels on the banks of the Nile River, offering you an unforgettable accommodation experience. 

Winter Palace Luxor features:

  • Multiple restaurants like 1886 Restaurant and La Corniche Restaurant.
  • The Royal Bar
  • Gardens
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Fitness center
  • Business facilities

Book your stay at Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor with us!

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Hilton Luxor is a representation of modern-age elegance and an example of comfort, with scenic views that amaze everyone. 

The resort boasts comfortable amenities and a relaxing atmosphere, connected with the historical heritage of Luxor city as it’s easily accessed from Luxor’s main attractions.

Hilton Luxor features:

  • Restaurants and bars
  • Gardens
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • Yoga classes
  • Spa

Book your stay at Hilton Luxor with us!

How to plan a Luxor Egypt Holiday?

Typically, for a condensed visit, you need 2 days to cover the city landmarks. 

On the First day, in the early morning, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memmnon on the West bank, and visit the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. 

On the Second day, venture to Abydos and Dendera, and at night, you can go to the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum. 

You may extend the program to a third day for a more comfortable experience, or change any of the places listed above with any other activity rather than visiting the attractions of the city.

FAQs

What is so special about Luxor City Egypt?

Luxor City in Egypt is mostly known among travelers for its unique history, things to visit, and things to do during your stay. Luxor was once the capital of Egypt when it was called (Thebes) in the New Kingdom Era.

Why is the Luxor Temple so famous?

Luxor Temple is very famous for being the most important religious temple and housing important royal festivals such as the Opet Festival

How many days are needed in Luxor City?

Typically, for a condensed visit, you need 2 days to cover the city landmarks. On the First day, in the early morning, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memmnon on the West bank, and visit the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. On the Second day, venture to Abydos and Dendera, and at night, you can go to the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum. 

Are there pyramids in Luxor Egypt?

No, there are no Pyramids in Luxor city in Egypt. Rather, the pyramids in Egypt reside mainly in Giza, Dahshur, and Saqqara

Is the Sphinx in Luxor?

There’s an avenue of sphinxes that connects between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex. However, the Great Sphinx resides at the Giza Plateau opposing the Great Pyramids of Giza. 

Things to Do in Cairo - Things to see in Cairo
CategoriesUncategorized By magic carpet

Exclusive! Unique Things to Do in Cairo | Top Cairo Egypt Sites

  • 4 Unique Things to Do in Cairo
  • Usual & Unusual Things to See in Cairo – Cairo Egypt attractions
  • Cairo Egypt pyramid tours

Do you want to visit Cairo attractions but don’t know the secret to the unique things to do or see in Cairo? 

Nowadays, visiting Cairo has become mandatory for history lovers, and unraveling ancient civilization secrets enthusiasts. And associated with visiting Cairo Egypt attractions comes a wide variety of things you should do during your stay there. 

Thus, we provide you a quick guide to the things to do and see in Cairo that’ll get you out with the most of your visit to Cairo.

4 Unique Things to Do in Cairo

Actually, the number of unique things to do in Cairo is more than 4 due to the unique history and activities associated with Cairo attractions itself, making it like a color palette and always having something here or there to do.

1- Take the felucca boat ride

Imagine yourself having a classy delicious meal while the breeze of the Nile River touches your face giving you a mixture of feelings that you’ll never forget! A felucca boat ride is a 2-hour ride trip in the Nile and you can include the meal you wish -preferably dinner meal- to it.

2- Ride a camel or a horse

Once the official ride in the deserts, the camel ride is an ancient transportation for desert travelers that you can try on your Cairo pyramids tour. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the deserts as if you’re an ancient nomad.

For adventure lovers and a more fast and fun ride, you can try a horse ride at the pyramids as well! Horses are an authentic part of Egyptian culture and are still used in Egypt for pulling carts and sports.

3- Take an Alexandria or Luxor day tour from Cairo

Alexandria day tour from Cairo is a great option for visiting the main Alexandria attractions without the need to stay overnight there. 

Among the things to see in Alexandria:

  • Qaitbay citadel
  • Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Bibliotheca Alexandrina 
  • Montaza Palace
  • Serapeum of Alexandria
  • Greco-Roman Museum
  • Kom El Dikka
  • Ras El Tin Palace 

Similarly, you can take the early flight to go on a Luxor day trip from Cairo and unravel the secrets of this ancient capital as you visit:

  • Luxor Temple
  • Karnak Temple
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Valley of the Queens
  • Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
  • Mummification Museum   
  • Luxor Museum

4- Eat like an Egyptian

There’s no cuisine in the world like Egyptian cuisine for its wide varieties of sweet and salty food which date back thousands of years!

Among the popular dishes you should try is: 

  • Molokhia: A must-try dish of green soup from jute leaves with garlic and coriander, served with rice or bread. 
  • Koshary: The national dish in Egypt, and has a magical taste of blend between pasta, rice, lentils, fried onion, garlic, and chickpeas. You can find it at a modest price (less than 1$) at local restaurants.
  • Ful Medames: A pure Egyptian morning dish made of cooked and seasoned fava beans, served with toppings like lemon, cumin, and tahini. Mostly is served with Falafel, vegetables, and pickles. 
  • Konafa: A popular Egyptian desert that you’ll definitely fall in love with, and comprises pastry strands, cheese, or nuts soaked in syrup.

Read More: Top 10 Try Egyptian Cuisine Dishes

Usual & Unusual Things to See in Cairo – Cairo Egypt attractions

Things to see in Cairo are endless, and in every step you take on its land, you’ll find yourself at one of Cairo Egypt attractions, some are older than the history of whole countries!  

What’s unique about Cairo attractions is regarded for 2 things:

  • The long history of its famous attractions ranges from over 5000 years ago to less than 100 years ago. 
  • The mixture of different tastes, styles, and cultural backgrounds of the civilizations on the lands of Cairo and Egypt in general like Pharaonic, Coptic, Roman, Macedonian, and Islamic like Abbasid, Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman epochs that came across Egypt and left its architectural and artistry fingerprint that still lives in Cairo Egypt attractions.  

Mostly, people venture only to the famous things to see in Cairo like: 

  • The Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx: The most famous Cairo Egypt attractions and the only one remaining of ancient world wonders.
  • Egyptian Museum in Cairo: Egypt’s treasury box of artifacts and monuments dating back to the dawn of Egypt. 
  • Khan El Khalili Bazaar: One of the most authentic and original souks in Egypt that dates back to the 14th century.

But to get ahead of everyone else and get a sneak peek at the hidden gems and things to see in Cairo, Magic Carpet guides you to Cairo Egypt attractions that are both rich in history and far less crowded for a more relaxing experience such as:

  • The Nilometer: An engineering marvel that Egyptians once created to predict floods (before the Aswan High Dam construction) and continuously assess water levels. Needless to mention the relaxing natural views of the area itself!    
  • St. Simon Church (Cave Church): Penetrating the Mokattam mountain and ornate with special astounding craftings of scenes from the Bible. 
  • Museum of Islamic Art: Among the most unique museums in the world, and houses the biggest collection of Islamic pieces from many Islamic epochs and subjects like medicine and architecture. 
  • Abdeen Palace Museum: A representative of the new magnificent architectural age in Egypt created by Khedive Ismail, and houses 5 museums, each for certain royal belongings and masterpieces: War Museum, Presidential Gifts Museum, Royal Museum, Historical Documents Museum, and Silverware Museum.

Cairo Egypt pyramid tours

Available now at the best offer you may find online, our Cairo Egypt pyramid tours will let you open your eyes to the majestic work of ancient Egyptians that attract visitors from all over the world and are worth every penny you’ll ever spend!

Don’t miss our LIMITED TIME offer!

 

CategoriesTips & Tricks By magic carpet

ULTIMATE GUIDE: Pack Your Egypt Christmas Holiday Like A Pro

 

  • Overview of Egypt’s winter temperature 
  • Why Egypt for the Christmas holidays? 
  • What to Pack for Your Trip to Egypt?
  • Top Places to Visit in Winter Holidays in Egypt
  • Tips for Saving Money on Egypt Christmas Holiday
  • Conclusion

Packing your Egypt Christmas tour can be a challenging task, and if you scheduled it wrongly, you might find yourself regretting it at all!

Thus, to save you the hassle and hours of searching, Magic Carpet Travel will help you pack your bags like a pro in five minutes as we gather all that you need to consider for a rich, fun, and relaxing Egypt Christmas holiday in one page!

Overview of Egypt Winter Temperature

Egypt winter tours -especially in December- is considered the best time to visit Egypt embark on your trip to unlock and witness the majestic treasures crafted by ancient Egypt civilization, because as a northerner, you crave even the slightest rays of sunshine as the northern hemisphere gets colder and colder.

Thus, Egypt Christmas holiday become not an option but a necessity for the pleasant and very mild December temperatures in Egypt, unlike the freezing temperatures in both North America and Europe.

Temperatures in Egypt in Winter and December range between:

  • 48°F – 68°F in northern cities like Cairo & Nile Delta cities and Alexandria along with the coastal cities.
  • 45°F – 77°F in both Luxor and Aswan in the South.
  • 55°F – 72°F in the Red Sea and Sinai peninsula.

In general, during the day times, the weather is warm making it perfect for exploring the many attractions and historical locations without the fear of the hot weather. But at night, things change a little bit by dropping to less than 45°F, making it more suitable for local markets like Khan El Khalili and Al Muizz Streets, or Dinner onboard a Nile Cruise.

Don’t miss the Best Selling Nile Cruises! 

Why Egypt for the Christmas holidays?

Your Egypt Christmas holiday should not only be a matter of getting the advantage of mild weather but in fact, December and winter months have many features that make us situate it of the Best times to visit Egypt, such as:

1- Egyptian Street Food

Egyptian food is one of the magical things you should try in general, especially during Egypt winter temperature. And as extra clothes gain you more warmth, Egyptian food does this job for you with different varieties and options like:

  • Hommos El Sham: A special mixture of onion, garlic, chickpeas, chili, lemon, and spicy tomatoes found at local restaurants and Nile Corniche street vendors.
  • Lentil Soup: A famous dish served along with lemon and crunchy bread.
  • Sweet Potato “Batata”: Smokey-sweet potatoes right from the oven from street vendors.
  • Belila: Either for breakfast or dinner meal and is of soaked wheat grains in sweetened milk with the topping of your choice.

2- Nile Cruises

Your Egypt Christmas holiday aren’t complete without trying the Nile Cruise ship trip either to witness the southern jewels in Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan or even dinner nights onboard.

Winter is the Nile Cruise ships’ peak season, as the beautiful weather makes it perfect for relaxation while enjoying the mesmerizing natural views.

3- Participating in Hard Physical Activities

For adrenaline-pumping lovers, Egypt’s winter temperatures are the most suitable for sports related to hard physical activities without the fear of hot weather.

In Egypt, you can participate in:

  • Sandboarding
  • Horseback riding
  • Paintball
  • Golf
  • Hiking & Camping
  • Rock climbing
  • Kayaking
  • Dirt Biking

What to Pack for Your Egypt Christmas Holiday Trip?

Packing your bags for such a trip to Egypt can be a little confusing regarding many points to consider like the cultural differences, weather, accessories, and other things to bear in mind and should ease your trip.

Clothing

For the many sites you might visit, it’ll be more suited to put on a proper corresponding outfit:

  • Temples and historical sites: Consider light clothes made of cotton and soft fabrics to ensure a more comfortable visit.
  • Desert trips and Safari: As we mentioned earlier, Egypt winter temperature in deserts at night can drop to less than 45°F, thus we suggest you leave room for pants and long-sleeved clothes in general which will be beneficial even during day times from the heat.
  • Religious sites: Religious sites generally require long sleeves, long pants, and a scarf for women to cover their heads and shoulders.
  • Nile Cruise Dinner: You might consider a shirt or a nice dress for such an occasion.
  • Swimming: In cases of beach visits or pools, make sure to pack your swimwear, and lightweight clothing in general to opt for relaxation.
  • Comfortable Shoes: A comfortable shoe is the secret to a comfortable trip! As you wander the streets or stone paths to visit historical sites, make sure to put on comfortable shoes to ease your pace.

Traveling Accessories

  • Backpack: Your backpack is like your personal repository for most scenarios, so you might consider including a reusable water bottle, snacks, tissues, sunscreen, and your personal belongings kept to a minimum to ensure lightweight and avoid exhaustion.
  • Chargers & Power banks: Most Electrical plugs in Egypt are either Type F or Type C, so you might take into account both of these options besides a power bank in case you are outside your residence for long periods.
  • Camera: Make sure to record your glorious moments during your trip to Egypt with either a smartphone or a camera.
  • Medical Kit & First Aid: In case of any essential medications, make sure to pack them with you and a basic first aid kit that contains sterilized wipes, pain relievers, digestive medications, and bandaids.
  • Emergency Contacts: In cases of emergencies, make sure to have a list of your close family members and your country’s local embassy.

Money and Currency

  • Credit Cards: Essential for large payments.
  • Currency exchange: we suggest you become more familiarized with Egypt’s local currency (Egyptian Pound) which will be handy in many cases like tipping at restaurants & shops and when buying souvenirs from local markets.

Top Places to Visit During Egypt Christmas Holidays

Egypt is a country abundant in all traveling winter destinations, whether you‘re looking for historical locations, simplicity, romance, coastal lifestyle, lavish lifestyle, or even disconnecting and tranquility.

For the many places you may head to during your winter holiday in Egypt, we give you a list of top cities and where to go to each of them.

1. Cairo 

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and a historical city with a wide variety of Egypt winter tours for both cultural and religious attractions to head to. Among the top Cairo attractions:

  • Great Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx
  • Egyptian Museum
  • Grand Egyptian Museum
  • The Citadel
  • Ibn Tulun Mosque
  • The Hanging Church

2. Alexandria

Alexandria, or “The pearl of the Mediterranean” is a coastal city that you might consider for a day trip from Cairo to visit:

  • Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Serapeum of Alexandria
  • Qaitbay Fort
  • Greco-Roman Museum
  • Kom El Dikka
  • Ras El Tin Palace

3. Luxor

In the far south, Luxor is a main Egypt winter tours destination that resides as a jewel in all aspects and the ancient capital of Egypt and fosters pharaonic sites such as:

  • Luxor Temple
  • Karnak Temple
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Valley of the Queens
  • Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
  • Mummification Museum
  • Luxor Museum

4. Aswan

Gathering both history and relaxational felucca rides and Nile Cruises, Aswan is considered a great destination for Winter holidays in Egypt – even for local Egyptians – for places like

  • Abu Simbel Temples
  • Philae Temple
  • Elephantine Island
  • The Unfinished Obelisk
  • Nubian Museum
  • The High Dam
  • Aswan Botanical Garden
  • Kitchener’s Island

5. Dahab

A romantic Egypt winter tours coastal city resides south of the Sinai peninsula that offers you a great relaxational atmosphere with many sites to enjoy the beauty of the different activities and coral reefs in spots like:

  • Three Pools
  • Blue hole
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Safari Trips
  • Desert Camping

6. Sharm El Sheikh

Another coastal gem that offers you meeting the beauty of the Red Sea at spots like:

  • Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and Naama Bay for water sports like Scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Visit main Sharm el Sheikh attractions like The Heavenly Cathedral and Sahaba Mosque
  • Climb Mount Sinai “Jabal Mousa” and enter Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

7. White Desert

Escape the city noises and head to the western desert for a special Egypt winter tours destination where you’ll witness one of the few most beautiful rocky formations in the world, varying between crystal formations, green oases, and hot springs that attract visitors from all over the world for camping under the stars at night or sandboarding sports.

Discover our best offers for Sahara Trips! 

Tips for Saving Money on Egypt Christmas Holiday

Egypt Christmas holiday are considered the peak of the tourism season in Egypt, thus prices can soar up in the sky, but no worries! for Magic Carpet Travel gives you a backstage insight on how to save your money even in peak seasons.

Always look for local transportation

  • Local in-cities transportation like microbuses and buses might be a little crowded but will save you a whole budget that you might spend on either taxis or riding apps like Uber.
  • In large cities like Cairo, Cairo Metro becomes a need, not an option as it gets you wherever you want at a very low budget. You’ll just need to know the Metro station near the place you’re visiting and follow your GPS
  • Take the second-class train between cities which is a cost-effective way to save money much cheaper than a flight ticket.

Eat like Egyptians

Egyptian kitchen is known for being one of the richest and most delicious in the world with a wide variety of sweet and salty dishes that you should try.

Thus, we suggest you get off the track of lavish restaurants and cafes and aim for local and modest restaurants between the streets to enjoy delicious Egyptian Shwarma, Falafel, or Fava bean sandwiches from a street vendor that you can try without hesitation, especially if it is crowded!

Also, you can get a cheap and energizing Koshari plate at a very low price (less than $1).

Accommodate without breaking the bank

Wallet-friendly accommodation options in Egypt are available everywhere, and reach out to save your budget from the edge of bankruptcy!

While visiting Egypt in winter, you might try low-budget hostels that offer what’s necessary for staying without lavish options or other fancy features that hotels include.

Conclusion

Egypt winter temperature is the best for Europeans and North Americans who wish to enjoy the majestic Egyptian attractions without getting sunburned from the regular high temperatures.

And even if it’s the peak season and prices soar in at everything, a budget-friendly trip to Egypt can be tailored by cutting off some features and secrets that pump all budgets with multiple discounts.

Don’t miss the winter times and book your Egypt Christmas holiday with us! 

Tailor your trip to the best prices in the market with Magic Carpet! 

The great pyramids and the Sphinx
CategoriesTips & Tricks By magic carpet

The Great Pyramids of Giza: A Traveler’s Ultimate Guide

Great Pyramids of Giza – The Ultimate Guide to Ancient World Wonders

    • When were the Pyramids of Giza built?

    • Who built the Great Pyramids of Giza?

    • Who built the Great Pyramids of Giza?

    • Why were the Great Pyramids of Giza built?

    • Inside the Great Pyramids of Giza

    • Pyramids of Giza tour 

    • Conclusion

Behold to the royal time machines, the Egyptian pyramids of Giza which endured thousands of ages and showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineers.

And to get prepared for the afterlife most suitably, ancient Egyptians chose the pyramid shape and building techniques some of which remain secrets until this very day making some believe any form of alien force did it!    

The Story Behind the Great Pyramids of Giza 

When were the pyramids of Giza built?

Over 4500 years ago, the sun of the Great Pyramids began to rise during the age of the fourth dynasty from the Old Kingdom period (approx. 2613 BCE – 2494 BCE), when ancient Egyptians went on building colossal constructions and technology of their time, as they had mostly prosperous times.

Who built the great pyramids of Giza?

When we mention the great names that built the pyramids, we focus on the main 3 great pyramids that contributed to this enigmatic world wonder, even though there are more than 3 pyramids in Giza and their final pyramid shape was determined after several attempts in Dahshur and Saqqara. 

Read More: Evolution of Pyramids: Main Pyramids Styles In Egypt

But on this page, we’ll give you a deeper look at the 3 great pyramids of Giza you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops Pyramid) 

The first and most iconic pyramid to be erected in the Giza complex area was the Great Pyramid of King Khufu (aka. Cheops in Greek) who once sat on the Egyptian throne for 23 years (2589 BC – 2566 BC).

And to give you, dear reader, an idea of its size, it is 481 feet in height, with a huge base of almost 756 feet, which took engineers and builders almost 20 years to build from 2.3 million blocks of white limestone casing each weighing about 2.5 tons. And for the brilliance and ingenuity of its constructors, the Cheops Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the ancient world wonders that still exists.

The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren Pyramid)

In second place in terms of history and size comes the Pyramid of King Khafre (2472 BCE – 2448 BCE) son of King Khufu, and even though it’s smaller than the Great Pyramid, it seems a bit larger for its covering of limestone casing that adds a bit to its height. 

It’s 471 feet in height, 706 feet in base length, and took almost 30 years to be built.

What specializes Khafre’s pyramid from the Cheops Pyramid is that it’s a part of a subsidiary complex consisting of other 2 landmarks of the Giza complex which are: 

    • The Great Sphinx of Giza: Gazing its eyes and guarding the Giza complex from the enemies, the Great Sphinx of Giza was crafted at a height of 66 feet, 240 feet long from a white limestone casing. 

Even though it combines symbols of Egypt’s ingenuity and strength, unfortunately, some of its features were damaged as it suffered human and weather damage in the areas of the Great Sphinx’s beard and nose.

    • The Valley Temple: Near the Great Sphinx, The Valley Temple was used for mummification and other ritual processes to honor the dead king.

The Pyramid of Menkaure (Mykerinos Pyramid)

Attributed to King Menkaure, son of Khafre, who ruled Egypt for 18 years, and even though it’s the smallest of the 3 Giza pyramids, it’s not less than any of them in terms of integrity and architectural precision.

Speaking in numbers, the Pyramid of Menkaure is 213 feet in height with a base of 335 feet and stands out from other Giza pyramids in the usage of granite coming from the quarries in Aswan at its lower part (unlike Khufu’s and Khafre’s that depends only on white limestone) 

Near the pyramid reside 3 much smaller pyramids that are of Menkaure’s royal family members and an unfinished mortuary temple of mudbrick that differs from Khafre’s mortuary temple.

Why were the Great Pyramids of Giza built?

It’s a pretty naive idea to think that the ancient Egyptians designed the great pyramids of Giza only as the tombs of the pharaohs who built them! 

And even though it served this purpose perfectly by providing a dignified and safe transfer of the pharaoh’s soul to the afterlife, ancient Egyptians managed to fulfill other purposes through the construction of the Giza pyramids such as:   

1- Saving the king’s treasures for the afterlife

The afterlife is a profound belief in the ancient Egypt religions and one’s life was directed toward it to continue living, but his mummified body needs to be saved intact, along with his belongings and treasures.

2. Religious and Spiritual Importance

A pharaoh was seen as an intermediary between the gods and the people and a divine one who was meant to rule Egypt as being chosen by the gods and after his death, his soul joins the heavens to become a god himself. 

Just as we mentioned earlier, there are mortuary temples and smaller pyramids associated with the Giza pyramids, and there were daily rituals and prayers that were held out there     

Thus, the Giza pyramids hold a spiritual significance. 

3- Display of Power and Authority

A king’s prosperous era can be seen in the great projects that were created in it. And the amount of paid workforce that these national projects required to be established brilliantly showcases the level of artistry that was a vital attribute for such projects to live all these years, without the need for some slaves to get the job done! 

Thus, the great pyramids of Giza impose the era of both rulers and workforce.

Inside the Great Pyramids of Giza

The architectural brilliance of the great pyramids of Giza from the inside is a whole different story that will definitely grab your attention and among the things you should try when visiting the Giza plateau.

Read More: 7 MUST try things to do at the Great Pyramids of Giza   

1. The Great Pyramid of Khufu 

Behind the beautiful outer casing stones of the Great Pyramid lies a whole different realm of complex passages that goes up to the upper third of the pyramid and down below its huge base as follows: 

    • Moving Downwards:

As you venture the pyramid, you’ll be met by a passage that goes down as far as 345 feet taking you to the heart of Cheops Pyramid which was thought to house the burial chamber, but later it was found that it isn’t. 

By continuing downwards, you’ll be met by a rough room styled differently than the other chambers of the biggest pyramid. 

    • Moving Upwards:

    • When ascending, things are wholly different for the many things you’ll see! You’ll be met by some really small chambers (1 meter in width!) but the fun hasn’t started yet, as you’ll meet the splendid Grand Gallery that shows the brilliantly and precision in crafting the inner corridors during the ancient world days. 

    • Midway in the Grand Gallery, a passage will take you to the Queen’s Chamber, not regarding some queen and its purpose remains a mystery.

    • Next, you’ll meet at the end of the Grand Gallery the King’s Chamber, which differs entirely from the white limestone of the pyramid and is made up of red granite with a colossal sarcophagus.

    • From all the chambers there are Air Shafts whose purpose is still argued today whether for ventilation, communication, or some religious purpose.

2. The Pyramid of Khafre 

Similar to the Cheops Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre consists of upward and downward passages. Khafre’s descending passage leads to the burial chamber with a passage that differs in size and is more straightforward until below the pyramid’s base level where the burial chamber houses a granite sarcophagus where Khafre’s body was kept.

Khafre’s Pyramid is less complex than the Great Pyramid in terms of air shafts and other chambers’ designs that reflect either an engineering advancement or a religious purpose.

3. The Pyramid of Menkaure 

Even though it is the smallest of the three great pyramids of Giza, Menkaure’s Pyramid has an internal structure that’s more complicated than the Khafre’s Pyramid itself!

As you hit the entrance passage, you’ll find yourself in a small antechamber that takes you right to the main burial chamber at the base and is characterized by beautifully crafted panels than other pyramids.

Later, you’ll meet the pyramid’s Sarcophagus Chamber, which was unfortunately lost in the sea while the British attempted to transport it to Britain. You’ll see how the chamber is ornate with beautiful decorations, unlike the other pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza tour 

Finding the best Pyramids of Giza tour can be challenging with the existence of many online offers from which only a few are realistic and worth trying. 

Thus, as a certified company, we are here to bring you our special tour of the Pyramids of Giza to assure you the best experience.

Conclusion

For Egyptian deities, the trip to the afterlife begins here on Earth by doing good deeds and hard work. And to ensure a majestic path to the afterlife, they constructed towering pyramids that still express their brilliance and artistry in such national projects and amaze their visitors until today.

With Magic Carpet Travel, you ensure a trip to Egypt that suits and fulfills your needs in the most suitable way  

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